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Welcome to the July edition of Test Valley Business Matters.
It's difficult to imagine Christmas during a heatwave, but if you do wish to pitch at the Andover or Romsey Christmas Lights festivals, you need to register your interest now. Please see below for details.
The deadline is also approaching for the annual Test Valley Business Awards. Test Valley Borough Council sponsors the sustainability award - if your company has taken significant steps in the last year to improve its sustainability, please enter. You can enter more than one award category - there are a wide range of options including Corporate Business Award, Business Innovation and Technology and Best Rural Business.
Finally, Simplyhealth - a major employer in Test Valley - is funding online mental health workshops to help SMEs build mentally healthy workplaces. We are providing more information and a registration link below.
Funded mental health training from Simplyhealth
Access to mental health support in the UK is challenging, contributing to workforce sickness, economic impact and a high demand being placed on third sector mental health support services. In partnership with Mental Health First Aid England, Simplyhealth is offering funded Mental Health Aware training sessions for SMEs (valued at £125 per participant).
The 4.5 hour virtual workshop provides an introduction to understanding mental health, looking after your own wellbeing, supporting others, and creating mentally healthy workplaces. Please register your interest for a training space here quoting code TVBC2026. The training qualifies for CPD hours, and all participants will receive an MHFA England certificate upon completion.
Further information on the programme can be found here: Mental Health Support Programme | Simplyhealth.
Free CyberAlarm Secure Sensor tool
The police have launched Secure Sensor, a free, award-winning cyber threat detection and reporting tool funded by the Home Office. It helps UK businesses and organisations monitor and report any suspicious cyber activity targeting their networks from the internet. It also offers optional vulnerability scanning of external IP addresses and website URLs. To instal the tool, you need to register for Police CyberAlarm at: Police CyberAlarm | Free Cyber Threat Detection Tool
Hampshire Creatives' Advice Hub
Following a successful pilot, Hampshire Country Council has extended support for creative businesses. The programme is open to Hampshire-based:
- freelancers and sole traders working in the creative industries;
- micro and small creative businesses;
- digital, media, design, content and CreaTech businesses;
- creative founders looking to grow, stabilise or scale.
The programme remains completely free and includes:
- one-to-one business advice and mentoring;
- peer to peer online meet ups;
- creative networking events.
More information and a registration link can be found here: Hants Creatives Advice Hub.
Monthly tip from the TVBC Small Business Service
The One Thing: Every Monday morning, ask yourself one question: "What is the single thing I could do this week that would make everything else easier or unnecessary?" Don't write a to-do list. Write a one-thing list. Tackle that first. The rest can wait.
Remember, all TVBC businesses can access the Small business support service free of charge.
 Stepzero.eco platform
A new free platform has been launched to provide SMEs with a tailored sustainability plan. You answer a short survey about your business to get properly tailored actions, which you mark up as you do them. The platform can then produce evidence-based reports as and when you need them to help you secure accreditations, or contracts, or to build your reputation. The site can be accessed here: About | StepZero.eco.
The site includes a blog comparing different accreditation schemes (B Corp, PlanetMark, ISO 14001 and EcoVadis) which you might find helpful if you are considering accreditation but are unsure about which route to take: The Certification Comparison Nobody Has Actually Done for UK SMEs | StepZero.eco
 The law on tipping
The Government has published a new draft code of practice on tipping. If approved by Parliament, it will come into force in October 2026. The major changes include:
- Mandatory consultation with workers on tipping policy. This can be through worker representatives or can be direct with the workers.
- A requirement to share a summary of the feedback received during the consultation process.
- Reviews of written tipping policies every three years.
- A requirement for employers to provide tipping records within 4 weeks of a request.
- Caution against arrangements which allocate a fixed or minimum tip amount to a specific individual or role in advance.
The guidance notes that tip distribution should include workers who personally interact with customers or prepare/handle the service that the customer consumes.
 World Street Party & Christmas Festivals
The annual World Street Party in Andover will be held on Monday 31 August. The Andover Christmas Lights switch on will be on Friday 20 November. The deadline for applications for the Christmas Lights Festival is 22 July. To register interest in a pitch for either event please complete this form: Andover Markets & Events 2026. You can always check upcoming events here: Take part in 2026 events — ANDOVER TOWN CENTRE
The Romsey Christmas Lights switch on will be on Saturday 21 November and will be run in partnership with the Markers Market. Please contact civic@romsey-tc.co.uk if you are interested in having a pitch.
Events are often oversubscribed - there is no guarantee of success - though local vendors will have a higher chance. The webpage Market trading & vendor opportunities gives details of other regular and ad hoc events where you may be able to pitch.
 Vigo Park improvements
As part of the Andover regeneration plans, Test Valley Borough Council has submitted a planning application for major improvements to Vigo Park including a new splash pad, a modern clubhouse with community space, public toilets, a refreshment kiosk, landscaping and enhanced accessibility.
 Support for the next generation
Andover College is appealing for employer support at events this autumn to inspire the next generation. They appreciate that your time is valuable and so would like to match you to the most appropriate event. Please support them at one event if you are able.
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National Manufacturing Day on 24 September at Andover College - local manufacturers are invited to use a manufacturing exhibition area for any demonstrations or tech that they can show off. If companies cannot attend but could send films, or loan kit to display, they would be gratefully received.
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A Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics event at Andover College on 11 November - employers are invited to bring interactive exhibits.
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Creative Careers month in November 2026. The College is looking for 60 second videos or clips sharing a top piece of advice.
There is also a general careers fair at the Sparsholt campus on 24 September.
Please contact Helen Perry at helen.perry@sparsholt.ac.uk to discuss how you might best be able to help.
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